CUCINA CARA MIA.......Random thoughts from "my dear kitchen" about food, travel, Italy, San Diego and life!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

IN OUR OWN BACKYARD! (well sort of)




Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new-yesterday my husband and I visited a vineyard in Ramona... Chinook Vineyards and then lunch at Salerno Winery, also in Ramona. First, We were educated by Elaine and Norm on how they planted two thousand vines of Petite Syrah and Zinfandel grapes only 4 years ago, and all the hard work that goes into it...it was truly eye opening! I really had no idea how much work it takes to make sure your precious plants thrive and produce, despite the gophers, rabbits, wind and fires that may come your way....Much success to them. We had a delightful lunch at Salerno Winery owned by Herman and Rose Salerno...he is originally from Calabria, Italy and she from New York...tours were given and then we were treated to a lunch of sausage of peppers, pasta, mixed greens with balsamic dressing AND then Delicious homemade pizzas made by Herman himself in their outdoor brick oven...and of course a few glasses of their award winning wine. There was an Italian singer serenading us, and then Herman burst out in song...he used to be an opera singer! Who needs to go to Italy when only 40 minutes from my home I get to enjoy lovely Italian food, music and drink amazing Petite Syrah...

OK, I need to go to Italy, but this was a great substitute!

5 comments:

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Hi Linda! Sounds like you had such a nice time. Hope you are having a nice week. We are having monsoons and tornado warnings:( Twyla

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It sounds like a very romantic day, Linda!

Herman is an odd name for a native born Italian, isn't it? I wonder if he changed his name when he came to the US?

Sue said...

Okay...you had me at sausage and peppers...how's the cheescake sales doing??....are you selling to any resturants yet?

Debra said...

Hi Linda! I am so sorry that I haven't been by to visit in such a long time, but I finally have a bit less on my mind and it gave me some time to visit with some old friends:)

I love that area of Ramona and Julian, but we haven't been out there in way too long! It sounds like you had a day worth enjoying. My oldest daughter(almost 23) loves going to the wineries when she can, so I will have to mention this one to her.

I will spend a little time poking around your blog to see how you have been doing. I hope that your daughters are doing well and that you are enjoying life!

Hugs,
Debbie

SeaWorthy said...

Hi Linda!
sorry I havent been around to chitter chat lately..Life in my deptartment leaves undesirable blogging fodder right now. I am hoping to read a few of your posts before the little ones get up..
Have a great summer, girlfriend--
Lisa
coastal nest